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Americanmachinist 2404 9890casebooks0400000003705
Americanmachinist 2404 9890casebooks0400000003705
Americanmachinist 2404 9890casebooks0400000003705
Americanmachinist 2404 9890casebooks0400000003705

GM relies on software for the perfect fit

Aug. 5, 2005
When engineers at General Motors want to ensure various car-body panels fit together properly or find out why not, they often consult the Design Check and Vehicle Assessment team at the Warren Vehicle Engineering Center in Michigan.

Along with touch probes or laser scanners fitted to inspection arms, GM's Design Check and Vehicle Assessment team uses PowerInspect inspection software to ensure various car-body panels fit together properly.

When engineers at General Motors want to ensure various car-body panels fit together properly or find out why not, they often consult the Design Check and Vehicle Assessment team at the Warren Vehicle Engineering Center in Michigan. That's because the team equips its labs with high-tech portable inspection and laser-scanning technologies, along with PowerInspect inspection software from Delcam.

Touch probes or laser scanners fitted to inspection arms from Romer Cimcore gather data points while also checking rectangular arrays of lines a few inches apart on exterior car parts. PowerInspect-generated color maps then show deviations from nominal CAD models within the surfaces.

These maps also indicate whether any surface section is out of tolerance, and if so, how much. GM uses this data for stamping-die rework.

Another measuring challenge for the team is the under-body alignment of an entire car. Using PowerInspect, the team plots data into a car-body coordinate system. It then raises the car on a lift and measures exhaust-system locations, bumpers and bumper fascia placement, and other under-body components.

delcam.com